Milan: Consuelo Castiglioni’s Autumn/Winter collection, ‘wildly’ anticipated, was as strong as the female ‘warriors’ she sent out onto a catwalk – a red ochre covered concrete setting – raw at the edges – a lair perhaps! Texture was key to this lineup where Consuelo’s ‘femmes’ were dressed in outfits that were powerfully impressive. A raw beauty was determined by unfinished edges, linear cuts, slubbed surfaces and wild fur trim that adorned sleeves, patch pockets and added a tough intensity – all held sturdy at the waistline with wide strong leather belts in coloured python and cross body flat bags rendered in leather and fur. The long and layered silhouette was evident throughout, from the wrap tunics, textured fur coats, long vests worn over pants and skirts. Yet, there was a feminine side to this presentation in sweet rose pink coats and desert florals, bamboo leaves and upholstery materials – the fabric du jour. A sense of luxury pervaded this powerful collection, from the earthy colour palette of camel, black, with bold red and materilas as well as ‘a don’t mess with me attitude’. – a force to be reckoned with. – Lizzy Bowring